The Dolphins came up clutch and are now guaranteed their second consecutive postseason
The Miami Dolphins edged the Dallas Cowboys 22-20 and moved to 11-4 on the season, ending the ‘can’t beat good teams’ narrative, putting themselves in a position to win the AFC and AFCE, and locking up their second consecutive postseason appearance. That was a mouthful earned for one win. But, the Dolphins took care of business in the clutch with strong defense, clutch special teams, and clean play with a steady run game and some big plays. That’s the perfect recipe for winning in the playoffs!
Merry Christmas indeed!
How far can the Dolphins climb?!!!
First, all Phins fans should give a broad tip of the hat to Jason Sanders who had quite the day with three field goals over 50 yards breaking the team record, along with two others. Sanders making the five field goals decided the game and he underlined and highlighted the special in special teams.
Sanders has been on the Phins fans’ naughty list, but you can bet with the best pay-per-head that he’s earned his onto the nice list now!
Add to Santa and Phins fans’ nice list:
Raheem Mostert with his hard running for 42 yards with 4.2 YPC and a clutch catch of an errant pass from Tua for the touchdown.
Andrew Van Ginkel had 10 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 1 TFL, 1 PD, and 4 QB Hits. What a stat line!
Brandon Chubb had 3 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 1 TFL, and 3 QB Hits.
Zack Sieler had 5 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 1 TFL, 1PD, and 2 QB Hits.
Van Ginkel, Sieler, and Chubb went off as the Dolphins have done all season in the pass rush giving them 50 sacks on the season breaking the team record of 49. With this pass rush and excellent run stop, the defense drove the victory.
The offense wasn’t spectacular, but did what it had to
Tua, Hill, and Waddle had a good day, but it wasn’t spectacular. The Dallas defense is one of the best against the pass and so the production was understandable. But the commitment to the run with 26 carries for 91 yards that wore down the defense and limited the pass rush opportunities of Dallas. The volume of runs came up big in the clutch with some big plays on the ground that were critical on the game-winning drive.
Hill had a few big plays but was mostly limited likely due to his ankle not being 100%. Waddle had the 50-yard reception but was otherwise quiet mostly due to getting injured during the game. Tua has some off throws with a lot of consistent ones and a few big ones sprinkled in. But, it was his movement in the pocket, speed of throw, and no turnovers that spelled he had a darn good day.
Not everything was perfect and there are things to nitpick at… but, it’s Christmas and the win should make all Phins fans merry! So, to all, a good night! Go Phins!!!
